Thermochromic Drinking Straw

ABSTRACT

The present invention  10  discloses a drinking straw for water, coffee, tea, soups, similar liquids, and the like  20  comprising a straw or other similar Cylindrical/ tubular wall made of plastic, paper, wood, metal, composite or alloy having thermochromic material imbedded  14  therein for sensing the temperature of a liquid or beverage  20  so that the user is informed whether or not the liquid or substance in question is suitable to consume without causing injury to the user&#39;s skin or body. The thermochromic material is not readily visible when at room temperature because it is inactive. However, it reacts to and is activated by the temperature of the beverage  20  when inserted therein. Multiple embodiments of the present invention  10  are disclosed.

REFERENCES CITED

U.S. Patent Documents 138800 May 1873 Grover 782433 February 1905 Ashley 797371 August 1905 Raubold 856768 June 1907 Comins 1,623,666 April 1927 Ferkel 2,579,738 December 1951 Wilfrid 2,591,375 April 1952 Radford 3,298,671 January 1967 Jewett et al. 3,382,512 May 1968 Atchley 3,665,770 May 1972 Sagi et al. 3,695,110 October 1972 Biolik 4,457,252 July 1984 Manske 4,738,549 April 1988 Plimpton 4,854,712 August 1989 Mori 5,549,382 August 1996 Correia, II et al. 5,575,563 November 1996 Chiu et al. 5,685,641 November 1997 Ribi 5,713,664 February 1998 Harilela 5,918,981 July 1999 Ribi 6,220,746 April 2001 Stern 6,420,184 July 2002 Hof 2003/0147450 August 2003 Wiltonsky et al. 6,942,377 September 2005 Goldstein

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to temperature indication devices and, more specifically, to a hot liquid straw with thermochromic material embedded entirely throughout or partially throughout to inform the user whether or not the liquid is safe to consume or touch or if there is a risk of being injured or burned.

2. Description of the Prior Art

There are other devices designed for indicating the temperature of a substance. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 856,768 issued to Comins on Jun. 11, 1907.

Another patent was issued to Sagi et al. on May 30, 1972 as U.S. Pat. No. 3,665,770. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 3,695,110 was issued to Biolik on Oct. 3, 1972 and still yet another was issued on Aug. 8, 1989 to Mori as U.S. Pat. No. 4,854,712.

Another patent was issued to Correia, II, et al. on Aug. 27, 1996 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,382. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,563 was issued to Chiu et al. on Nov. 19, 1996.

Another was issued to Ribi on Nov. 11, 1997 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,641 and still yet another was issued on Feb. 3, 1998 to Harilela as U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,664.

Another patent was issued to Stern on Apr. 24, 2001 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,746. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 6,420,184 was issued to Hof on Jul. 16, 2002.

Another patent was issued to Goldstein on Sep. 13, 2005, U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,377.

The combination with a spoon having a bowl and an open tubular stem extending therefrom, of a thermometer bulb located in the bowl and having a tube extending into said stem, and a guard covering the bowl and having a tube extending into said stem, and a guard covering said bulb, as and for the purpose described.

A thermometer is provided comprising a heat conductive carrier on which there are one or more temperature sensitive regions comprising temperature responsive substances having preselected and relatively precise points at which a temperature induced change in state will begin to occur. In multiple region systems, the regions are spaced apart and the substances a successively graduated with respect to the points. Included is a coloration or other indicator means and a material so positioned with respect to the temperature responsive substance and the indicator means as to be capable of incorporating or otherwise demonstrably responding to the indicator means as a result of the initiation of a temperature responsive change in the temperature responsive substance.

A temperature measuring device in the shape of a spoon or in another shape suited for feeding purposes comprising a feeding instrument having a handle and a food holding portion adapted for holding food to be eaten, the handle having a recess therein and a temperature measuring means disposed in the recess and adapted to be read to provide an indication of the temperature of the food held in the food holding portion.

A multi-color luminous stirrer including a handle housing therein a battery and a shank composed of two tubular-shaped electrodes coupled together mechanically through an insulating ring. When the tubular-shaped electrodes are submerged in a drink, a switching circuit is actuated and in accordance with the movement of an electroconductive ball placed freely on a flat electrode that is connected to the battery and encircled by curved electrodes which are electrically connected to a plurality of illuminants housed at the tip of the shank by transparent or translucent cap, ON and OFF states are created between the electrodes. Thus, the illuminants emit light at random. The tubular-shaped shank may alternately be formed of a highly heat conductive material, with a bimetal housed therein so that when the tubular-shaped shank is dipped in a drink which is different in temperature from that of the ambient air, the switching circuit is actuated.

An apparatus and method for automatically stirring foodstuffs in a kitchen environment are provided. The apparatus and method use a stove top having a plurality of cooking locations, the stove top having a top surface to support a plurality of cooking vessels and a means for heating in operable association with each of the cooking locations, and a driver means for driving an agitator device wherein the driver means is positioned in axial alignment with at least one of the cooking locations.

A multiusage thermometer comprises a body portion capable of selectively detachably engaging thereto at least a first sensing portion, a second sensing portion, a third sensing portion and a fourth sensing portion each of said sensing portions having a first engaging member at a first end thereof, said body portion integrally forming a second engaging member at one end thereof for electrically and complementarily connecting thereto said first engaging member of each of said sensing portions. This invention offers a thermometer being multiusable and having a body portion capable of being selectively detachably engaged with other sensing portions of various usages based on the situation one faces.

Temperature probes are provided comprising a porous or permeable substrate into which is absorbed at least at the surface a diyne monomer. The absorption is achieved by employing a solution of the diyne monomer in a solvent which is transported by the solid substrate. After impregnation of the substrate, the diyne is polymerized to provide a blue product, which upon being heated above a transition temperature turns to red. Various substrates and devices may be employed for a variety of situations requiring a determination of the occurrence of a particular minimum temperature.

A beverage stirrer having a pop out item such as figurine, logo or product replica is provided. The stirrer includes a hollow, tubular casing with a sliding mechanism formed therein. The sliding mechanism can comprise a buoyant member actuated by fluid pressure from a beverage being stirred. Alternately, the sliding mechanism can comprise a temperature sensitive spring actuated by a temperature differential created by the beverage. The pop out item can be mounted to an end of the sliding mechanism and can be configured to extend out of an open end of the casing as the beverage is stirred. The stirrer can also include a handle/display member wherein indicia such as advertising or a logo can be printed.

For the purpose of a simple and yet functionally dependable design of the temperature detection, an agitator apparatus, in particular a cooking spoon, with a handle (1), a spoon element (2) and a shaft (3) connecting the handle (1) with the spoon element (2), wherein a temperature sensor (54) is associated with the spoon element (2) and a temperature indicator (5) with the handle (1), is distinguished in that a heat-conducting and/or liquid-conducting connection (6) exists via a viscous mass (9) is disposed between the temperature sensor (4) and the temperature indicator (5).

A measured quantity liquid dispenser including a liquid supply container and an attached liquid dispensing chamber. The dispensing chamber has a hinged lid with a locking ledge. A slide plate is moveable between a first position where flow of liquid between the supply container and the dispensing chamber is prevented and the lid of the dispensing chamber is unlocked, and a second position where flow is permitted between the supply container and the dispensing chamber and the lid of the dispensing chamber is locked. The liquid dispenser is inverted with the slide plate moved to the second position to refill the dispensing chamber. The dispenser is especially useful to limit a child's use of a liquid composition such as mouthwash or shampoo.

A disposable beverage stirrer for coffee, tea, soups and the like 12 comprising a flat elongate wooden or composite stick having thermoplastic material imbedded therein for detecting the temperature of a beverage so that the user can be made aware whether or not the beverage or substance in question is suitable to consume without causing the burning or scalding of an individual's mouth. The thermoreactive material is not readily visible when at room temperature because it is inactive. However, it reacts to and is activated by the temperature of the beverage 12 when inserted therein. Two messages are imbedded thereon, one to notify that the beverage is safe to drink and another informing the user that a high risk of scalding exists.

While these temperature indicator devices may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is a combination of a straw and stirrer for all liquids, including but not limited to water, soups, teas, coffees and the like comprising of a round, elongated tube or cylinder which is paper, plastic, wooden, composite, or alloy having a thermoplastic, Microencapsulated Thermochromic Liquid Crystal, thermochromic liquid crystal, thermochromic ink, or other type of thermochromic or thermoreactive material imbedded therein for detecting the temperature of a beverage so that the user can be made aware whether or not the beverage or substance in question is suitable to consume without causing the burning or scalding of an individual's mouth. The thermochromic material is not readily visible when at room temperature, but the thermochromic material reacts to the temperature of the liquid when inserted therein. The color of the straw remains the same color until it comes in contact with the desired liquid. If the temperature of the substance or liquid is above the desired temperature, the thermochromic material in the straw reacts to cause the straw to change color so as to alert the user that the liquid is too hot to touch or to consume. Multiple embodiments of the present invention are disclosed.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a thermochromic beverage straw that responds to the temperature of the substance or fluid into which it is placed to inform the user that the substance or fluid has reached a predetermined temperature and is safe to consume without the risk of burning or other injury.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermochromic beverage stirrer that responds to the temperature of the substance or fluid into which it is placed to inform the user that the substance or fluid has reached a predetermined temperature and is safe to consumer without the risk of burning or other injury.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermochromic beverage straw that responds to the temperature of the fluid into which it is placed to inform the user that the fluid has reached a safe temperature and can be consumed or touched without the risk of injury.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermochromic straw that responds to the temperature of the fluid or substance into which it is placed to inform the user that the fluid or other substance has reached a safe temperature and can be consumed or touched without the risk of injury.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermochromic straw for hot liquids having thermochromic materials that respond to two different temperature ranges, one that becomes visible when the fluid is below 130 degrees Fahrenheit and another that becomes visible when the fluid is above 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermochromic straw for hot liquids having thermochromic materials that respond to two different temperature ranges, one that becomes visible when the fluid is below a certain predetermined temperature and another that becomes visible when the fluid is above a certain predetermined temperature.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermochromic straw for hot liquids having thermochromic materials that respond to one temperature range, one that becomes visible when the fluid is above 130 degrees Fahrenheit and reverses to its original color when the fluid is below 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermochromic straw for hot beverages having thermochromic materials that respond to one temperature range, one that becomes visible when the fluid is above a certain predetermined temperature and reverses to its original color when the fluid is below a certain predetermined temperature.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a thermochromic beverage straw for hot liquids wherein the different temperature ranges only appear once exposed to the fluid informing the user of the temperature of said fluid. Once removed or once the temperature is optimal, the present invention reverses to its original color.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermochromic beverage straw for hot liquids that will enable the user to avoid burns or other injury from liquids or beverages that are too hot for human ingestion.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a thermochromic beverage straw for hot beverages that will help reduce the liability of businesses serving hot liquids or beverages.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a thermochromic beverage straw for beverages that is simple and easy to use.

Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a thermochromic beverage straw for beverages that is inexpensive to manufacture and operate.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a thermochromic beverage straw that also acts as a beverage or liquid stirrer which can be used to agitate or mix the liquid into which it is placed.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a thermochromic beverage straw that also acts as a beverage or liquid stirrer for hot liquids wherein the different temperature ranges only appear once exposed to the fluid informing the user of the temperature of said fluid. Once removed or once the temperature is optimal, the present invention reverses to its original color.

The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a thermochromic beverage straw for liquids or beverages that allows a user to drink the liquid as with a conventional straw, but also allows the user to stir the liquid. It also includes the benefit of having embedded within it thermochromic pigments or other thermochromic materials that change color to alert the user whether or not the liquid has obtained the desired temperature.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention in use.

FIG. 3 is a detail cross-sectional view of the present invention in a hot fluid.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings.

-   10 present invention -   12 is the present invention with thermochromic material embedded     within -   14 is the portion of the invention wherein the thermochromic     pigments have changed color as a function of the temperature of the     liquid or beverage. -   16 is the hole in the invention -   18 is the liquid or beverage container -   20 is the liquid or beverage -   22 are the activated thermochromic material

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments since practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For a definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to the appended claims.

Turning to FIG. 1, shown therein is a perspective view of the present invention prior to being subjected to the liquid. The indicia defined by the thermochromic material 22 being inactive at room temperature is not visible.

Turning to FIG. 2, shown therein is an illustrative view of the present invention 10 in use. Shown is the present invention 10 after having been immersed in a hot liquid or beverage 20. The present invention 10 is a straw that can be used as a straw and/or beverage stirrer for liquids, water, coffee, tea, soups and the like 20 comprising an elongated paper, metal, wooden, plastic, composite, or alloy cylinder or tube 12 having thermochromic material imbedded throughout for detecting the temperature of a liquid or beverage 20 so that the user is alerted to whether the liquid is of a certain temperature and safe to consume or touch. The thermochromic material is inactive at room temperature; therefore, the color of the invention 10 will remain the same. However, once the invention 10 comes in contact with the liquid or beverage 20 it reacts and changes color. If the invention 10 is removed from the liquid the color will reverse to its normal, starting color of the invention 10. A liquid container is also shown 18.

Turning to FIG. 2, shown therein is an illustrative view of the present invention 10 in use. Shown is the present invention 10 being used as a straw shown by 12 or as a stirrer 12 for the mixing of a liquid or beverage 20. When the thermochromic materials incorporated into the structure of the present invention 10 experiences exposure to a liquid or beverage 20 whose temperature is greater than room temperature or the certain predetermined temperature the thermochromic materials react to the temperature of the liquid or beverage changing color 22.

Turning to FIG. 2, shown therein is an illustrative view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention 10. Shown is the present invention 10 constructed in the form of a beverage straw and stirrer combination and having incorporated throughout its structure thermochromic material that make the present invention suitable and useful in the application of providing the user a means of determining whether the temperature of a liquid or beverage 20 or other substance that comes in contact with present invention 10 is suitable to consume without causing the burning or other injury of the user's mouth or other body parts. Beverage container 18 is shown also.

Turning to FIG. 2, shown therein is an illustrative view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention 10. Shown is the present invention 10 constructed in the form of a beverage straw and stirrer combination and having incorporated throughout its structure thermochromic material that make the present invention suitable and useful in the application of providing the user a means of determining whether the temperature of a liquid or beverage 20 or other substance that comes in contact with present invention 10 has reached a predetermined temperature. Beverage container 18 is shown also.

Turning to FIG. 3, shown therein is a detailed cross-sectional view of the present invention 10 in a liquid 20 at a temperature above 130 degrees. The change in color 14 of the present invention 10 placed within a hot liquid or beverage 20 with the present invention tells the user that if the liquid or beverage were to be consumed burning or other injury of the user's mouth would result. This is indicated by the change in color of the invention 10 from its original color to a different color. As the liquid/beverage cools to below 130.degree. F./54.4 degree. C. the color of the invention reverses to its original color. Note that for all embodiments disclosed in this specification, the change in color of the invention would occur at temperatures greater than or equal to 130 degrees F. or at some other certain predetermined temperature depending upon the desired temperature.

Turning to FIG. 3, shown therein is a detailed cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention 10 in a liquid 20 at a predetermined temperature. The change in color 14 of the present invention 10 placed within a liquid or beverage 20 with the present invention tells the user that if the liquid or beverage were to be consumed it would be consumed or touched with the invention 10 having reached the predetermined temperature. This is indicated by the change in color of the invention 10 from its original color to a different color. As the liquid/beverage cools to below the predetermined temperature, the color of the invention reverses to its original color. Beverage container 18 is also shown. 

1. A drinking straw having: a Cylindrical/tubular wall; an inlet on a lower end and an outlet on an upper end of the straw; said straw having embedded within its entire body a thermochromic material which is reactive to the temperature of the liquid, or other medium in which it is placed.
 2. The straw of claim 1, changes to a color different from its original color when said liquid or other medium has a temperature greater than or equal to 130 degrees Fahrenheit or some other predetermined temperature.
 3. The straw of claim 2, changes back to its original color when said liquid or other medium has a temperature less than 130 degrees Fahrenheit or some other predetermined temperature.
 4. A thermochromic straw for liquids or other mediums, comprising: a) an elongated cylindrical/tubular wall housing having first and second opposing ends, said wall housing having first and second opposing sides, said body being tubular and cylindrical to serve as a straw for liquids and also as a stirrer of liquids, b) embedded throughout the entire body is a reversible thermochromic pigment which is reactive to the temperature of the liquid or other medium in which it is placed.
 5. The straw of claim 4, wherein said color of the body of the straw changes color when the liquid or medium in which said straw is placed has a temperature greater than or equal to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
 6. The straw of claim 5, reverses to its original color when said liquid or other medium has a temperature less than 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
 7. The straw of claim 6, wherein said color of the body of the straw changes color when the liquid or medium in which said straw is placed has reached a predetermined temperature.
 8. The straw of claim 7, reverses to its original color when said liquid or other medium has reached a predetermined temperature. 